A self-proclaimed psychic TikTok influencer has been ordered to pay a staggering $10 million in damages after falsely accusing a University of Idaho professor of orchestrating the brutal murders of four students in November 2022. Ashley Guillard, 41, was found liable for defamation earlier this year and faced a damages trial last week, where a jury unanimously awarded the massive sum to history department head Rebecca Scofield.
The Defamatory Campaign and Its Impact
Guillard, based in Texas, created more than 100 TikTok videos targeting Professor Scofield, alleging she masterminded the killings to conceal an affair with victim Kaylee Goncalves. These videos were posted before the actual perpetrator, graduate student Bryan Kohberger, was arrested in December 2022. During testimony, Scofield described the profound emotional toll, stating she felt she had "lost ownership of my face and my name" and comparing the experience to being a character in a book with no control over the plot.
Security Measures and Personal Threats
The professor detailed how the false accusations forced her to install a security system and cameras at her Moscow, Idaho, home, which is near the crime scene. Scofield emphasized that she and her family felt personally targeted, with their children's lives seemingly threatened by the baseless claims. "It felt like an attack from the outside," she told the court, raising her voice at Guillard during proceedings.
Court Proceedings and Jury Decision
Guillard represented herself in the damages trial, presenting a final argument where she insisted it was "reasonable" to believe Scofield was involved in the murders. However, the seven-member jury—composed of four women and three men—took less than two hours to reach their verdict on Friday. The $10 million award includes $7.5 million in punitive damages, intended to punish Guillard and deter similar behavior, with the remainder classified as compensatory for Scofield's actual costs.
Legal Background and Previous Rulings
A judge had already found Guillard liable for defamation in June, setting the stage for last week's damages determination. Scofield initially sought $1.8 million, but the jury awarded far more, delivering one of the costliest judgments in Idaho state history. In a statement, Scofield expressed gratitude, noting that the verdict sends a "clear message that false statements online have consequences in the real world."
Guillard's Response and Financial Implications
Following the ruling, Guillard took to TikTok to decry the decision, alleging juror bias and an unfair trial. She has previously threatened that Scofield would "regret" filing the lawsuit. It remains unclear how Guillard will pay the enormous sum, as her financial means have not been specified. The case highlights the severe repercussions of online defamation, especially in high-profile criminal investigations.
Context of the Idaho Murders
The murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin shocked the nation in late 2022. Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison last year, was identified as the sole perpetrator. Despite this, Guillard's videos continued to circulate false accusations, leading to cease-and-desist letters and the eventual defamation suit. The jury's decision underscores the legal accountability for spreading harmful misinformation on social media platforms.
